A Hidden Gem: Drifters Wharf Wedding on the Central Coast

Some venues on the Central Coast I have never shot at and didn’t really picture it as a wedding venue. Drifters Wharf was a pleasant surprise! A venue with an awesome deck ceremony spot but an equally lovely indoor option in the case of rain.  Drifters Wharf wedding can cater for large weddings and what a beautiful view!

Meeting Katherine and Declan

Katherine and Declan found me through good old Google. They liked  my ‘candid style and the lightness and happiness of your photography’ and booked me to capture their big day. I love when people tell me what draws them to my work. After connecting over email we met up for their engagement shoot. 
Instantly, we clicked! We bonded on a personal level and had a bit of a heart to heart, in the carpark where some of my best conversations with couples taken place. 
They are kind, genuine, and full of warmth, the kind of people you feel lucky to meet. After capturing them during the engagement session and hearing of their plans, what the visioned, how it was all about special moments for them, how her Mum and Dad were going to sing – I was even more excited to be a part of it.

A Proposal in an Irish Castle

During our shoot, Kat and Dec shared their story. Declan proposed in a castle in Ireland and even though Kat knew it was coming, she was overcome with emotion. A castle in Ireland! How could you not? They met through a mutual friend on a camping trip and felt a spark. That friend was one of the bridesmaids. The look on her face as she watched them marry had me honing in on her. After the camping trip, Declan reached out. On their first date, they talked for six hours. Kat reached for Dec’s hand and she told me ‘they’ve been holding hands ever since’. I smiled when I read that on their questionnaire. They just knew.

Wedding Day – capturing the pre wedding fun and meeting Duster, the Sweetest Old Man

At Kat’s family home, I met Duster, her 17-year-old Cocker Spaniel. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know, I have an old man spaniel too! Duster was a gift for Kat’s 9th birthday! 
I couldn’t stop patting him, such a beautiful old man. When you have an old dog – you understand how special old dogs are. Of course I had to give Duster his own portrait. Kat was getting ready with six beautiful ladies, all contributing to making this day so special. I loved capturing their fun and affection for each other.

The Ceremony at Drifters Wharf

Rain moved the ceremony indoors at Drifters Wharf—and it looked absolutely beautiful. I was thrilled to see Sarah Tolmie officiating.I hadn’t seen her in years, but she was as warm and genuine as ever. 
She held the room with care, allowing Kat and Dec to truly be present. The way these two look at each other is truly heartwarming. Their friends and family watching on with such love and affection for these two. Right after the ceremony, Kat’s parents, Kerry and David, performed a beautiful song as they signed.

Celebration, Connection, and So Much Love

The rain held off just enough for a few photos nearby. Gosford delivering on the location with the staircase surrounded by crochet poppy’s. It was as if the colours were meant to be for Dec and Kat’s theme! Photos on the wharf and the boys showing off their silly side (love that!), and yes I did have to snap a quick shot as we waited at the traffic lights.

We headed in for a night of celebration and I must give a shout out to family and friends who helped make this day so amazing from doing hair, to making the most brillaint wedding cake – check out that unique shape, to creating the most stunning florals, to performing a beautiful song. So many personal touches and to the guests who just surrounded this couple in the love they deserve. Two sets of extremely proud parents made obvious during their wonderful speeches.

This day reminded me why I love being a wedding photographer. It was about emotion, connection, and a couple who truly love each other. They gave me goosebumps with the way they looked at each other.

Thank you both for letting me be part of your beautiful story, and thank you for your generosity and hugs!

Looking forward to keeping in touch and seeing what life brings you two.

Jodie.

If you’d like to know more about wedding photography, contact me!